For the price, anything better than Ontario Rat 7?

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NeedItCheaper

Joined
Jun 17, 2012
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I currently have a Cold Steel LeatherNeck, FFG. Great blade, love it, but I want something with a little more strength, little more thickness maybe, isn't so handle heavy. From what I am seeing between testing and reviews the Rat 7 has a little more strength, and as much chopping and playing around in the forest it would handle way better. Edit: By strength I mean that it doesn't flex quite as easy. I have tested that whole chipping out thing and it just doesn't do it on mine, other guy had a faulty one on youtube

But the question remains, is there better out there. I have some hopes that I could find a Rat 7 style blade that is .25in thick rather than the .187in thick with 5160 steel. Or and I'm probably dreaming here, but for $120 or so is there a Rat 7 style blade .187in thick that is CPM 3v?


Also I have a an Ontario SP50. Great blade, awesome blade, indestructable. Splits and chops beautifully......It's too big. So really that 6.5 inch length range is what I'm looking at. Weight doesn't matter.


For a Rat 7 + Kydex sheath + Shipping I'm looking at $128

Any suggestions?
 
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ON9416OM: Ranger Series - RD 6 Ready Detachment
Ontario Knife Company

This knife features a 5160 steel and black texture powder coated blade. Orange G10 handle. Comes standard with MOLLE compatible black nylon sheath with edge protecting hard plastic insert and roomy utility pouch.

Specifications
Overall Length: 11.75"
Blade Length: 6"
Blade Thickness: 0.25"
Made in USA
 
+1 for the RD-6. If 1/4" is too thick for you then try the "Bush" series (RB), they are 3/16" thick, same features. Or try a BK&T BK-7.
 
Guys that RD6 might be it. But I do like the blade shape of the Rat 7 a little better. Also from experience the handle of that RD6 might give me wear, especially that curve at the end. Hmmmmmm............... But thank you for drawing my attention to it.



Still open to suggestions........
 
Becker BK2 or SYKCO 511. Both are a bit shorter than the Rat but, imo, both are better made. The BK2 would be the tougher of the two, but you'd get significantly better edge retention with the 511 and I've never heard anyone complain about the toughness of Scrapyard knives
 
Insipid Moniker said:
Becker BK2 or SYKCO 511. Both are a bit shorter than the Rat but, imo, both are better made. The BK2 would be the tougher of the two, but you'd get significantly better edge retention with the 511 and I've never heard anyone complain about the toughness of Scrapyard knives
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1 inch too short. (That's what she said) lol

Though I will say that Sykco 511 looks great. WTF is with that caked on paint?
 
NeedItCheaper said:
1 inch too short. (That's what she said) lol

Though I will say that Sykco 511 looks great. WTF is with that caked on paint?
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It's a crinkle coat to eeduce wear on the coating. SR-101 or, if you prefer, 52100 is great steel, but it has really no stain resistance and rusts quite easily. The coating protects the blade from rust and the crinkle effect helps you keep it coated for longer through heavy use.
 
For 1 inch longer, I would get the ESEE 6. Their knives are pretty bombproof and carry one of the best warranties in the business. Also, not much more expensive than the Rat you're looking at.
 
I have the Rat 7 in D2. I put a mean edge on it about a year ago, and it has stayed sharp through lots of various chopping around hunting camp. I thought Nutnfancy broke one once under hard batoning, but I've really enjoyed using this knife, and it's taken a beating without much sign of wear. The micarta slabs on the Ontario Rats are a bit blocky and not for the small handed.
 
Planetcat said:
I have the Rat 7 in D2. I put a mean edge on it about a year ago, and it has stayed sharp through lots of various chopping around hunting camp. I thought Nutnfancy broke one once under hard batoning, but I've really enjoyed using this knife, and it's taken a beating without much sign of wear. The micarta slabs on the Ontario Rats are a bit blocky and not for the small handed.
Click to expand...


Now was that D2 or 5160
 
The Ontario RAT 7 is a great knife. Mine is one of the D2 blades, and it has given me stellar performance for years now. It is well worth the money, and in fact, out performs many blades costing more.
RAT7-1.jpg
 
ESEE 6 is the way to go if your getting non stainless. Dollar for dollar, they are very hard to beat. Fit and finish is always excellent. Check out online reviews of your top three contenders and youll see for yourself. I have a SYKCO Dogfather and love it but if I hade to replace it with a different knife, theJunglas would win hands down.

Unklfranco
 
unklfranco said:
ESEE 6 is the way to go if your getting non stainless. Dollar for dollar, they are very hard to beat. Fit and finish is always excellent. Check out online reviews of your top three contenders and youll see for yourself. I have a SYKCO Dogfather and love it but if I hade to replace it with a different knife, theJunglas would win hands down.

Unklfranco
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I was under the belief that a Rat 7 was basically an Esee 7?
 
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